Coin separators



April 26, 1960 J. R. PENLY 2,934,190

COIN SEPARATORS Filed April 6, 1956 INVENTOR JAMES RusssL L PENLV ATTORNEK A ril 29, 1960 J. R. -PENLY 2,934,190

COIN SEPARATORS Filed April 6, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 7 JAMES RUSSELL PAfA/LV 5 i 1 BY A TORNEL United States Patent G COIN SEPARATORS James Russell Penly, Atlanta, Ga., assignor, by mesne assignments, to National Rejectors, Inc., a corporation of Missouri Application April 6, 1956, Serial No. 576,567

Claims. (Cl. 194-1) This invention relates to improvements in coin separators. More particularly this invention relates to improvements in coin separators that can receive and separate coins of different denominations.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved coin separator that can receive and separate coins of different denominations.

In the operation of coin-operated vending machines, it is frequently desirable to be able to establish a sales price that is the total of the values of two coins of different denominations. For example, it is frequently desirable to establish a sales price of six cents; and where this is done, the customer can match that sales price by depositing a penny and a nickel. The fact that coins of different denominations must be deposited to match the sales price makes it imperative that the coin separator credit the customer with the deposit of each of the two coins. At the same time, it is desirable that the coin separator be simple in operation and inexpensive to manufacture. The present invention provides such a coin separator; and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive coin separator that can receive two coins of difierent denominations, and that credits the customer with the deposit of each of those coins.

To make certain that the customer receives full credit for the deposit of each of the two coins, the present invention causes the coin separator to accept the two coins when they are deposited in a prescribed sequence, but to reject those coins when they are deposited in some other sequence. Specifically, one form of the coin separator provided by the present invention will accept a penny and a nickel when they are deposited in that sequence, but will not do so when they are deposited in some other sequence. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coin separator that can accept a plurality of coins of diiferent denominationsv when those coins are deposited in a prescribed sequence but which can reject those coins when they are deposited in some other sequence.

It is desirable, whenever coins are deposited in a coinoperated vending machine, to have those coins pass through a coin-testing slug rejector before they can actuate that vending machine; and it is desirable that those coins not be held in that slug rejector. If the coins were held within the slug rejector, and if two of the coins were unduly thin, they could wedge themselves in position within a passageway of the slug rejector and block that passageway. This would be very objectionable. Furthermore, if the coins were held within the slug rejector, a passerby or an absent-minded customer could deposit a single coin and go away; and if that coin caused the first-deposited coin of a later customer to be rejected, that later customer could conclude that the vending machine was out of order or empty. Specifically, if a penny were to be held by a slug rejector that wasset to accept a penny and a nickel, that penny couldreject the penny deposited by a later customer and thus lead ice that later customer to assume that the vending machine was out of order or empty. This, of course, is also very objectionable. The present invention obviates these objections by providing a coin separator that accepts coins of different denominations and that credits the customer with the depositing of those coins while permitting those coins to pass to the cash box of the vending machine. it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coin separator that can accept coins of difierent denominations and that credits the customer with the depositing of those coins while permitting those coins to pass to the cash box of the vending machine.

The coin separator provided by the present invention has a coin-directing element with a coin-rejecting portion that normally extends into a passage within the coin separator but which can be selectively moved out of that passage.

Whenever that coin-rejecting portion is in that passage it will intercept and reject coins attempting to move through that passage, but when that portion is out of that passage it will permit those coins to pass through that passage. The coin-directing element also has a coin-receiving portion that is selectively disposable in that passage, and has a second coin-receiving portion that is selectively disposable in a second passage within the coin separator; and those coin-receiving portions are alternately struck by coins in the two passages to move the coin-. rejecting portion into and out of the first said passage. Specifically, in one form of coin-directing element provided by the present invention, a coin-rejecting portion is normally disposed within the nickel passage; and a coin-receiving portion is normally disposed within the penny passage and can be struck by a penny to cause the nickel-rejecting portion to move out of the nickel passage. The coin-directing element also has a coin-receiving portion that is normally outside the nickel passage but that moves into that passage as the nickel-rejecting portion moves out of that passage. .The nickel-receiving portion of the coin-directing elementwill'respond to the insertion of a nickel to-move out of the nickel passage while moving the nickel-rejecting portion back into that passage. In this Way, the normally-blocked'nickel passage is unblocked by the deposit of a penny and is reblocked by the subsequent deposit of a nickel. 'Consequently, the customer is protected against premature depositing of his nickel and is also protected against the depositing of too many nickels. It is therefore an object' of the present invention to provide a coin separator which has a coin-directing element with a coin-rejecting portion that is normally positioned in the passage for coins of one denomination and which responds to the insertions of coins of a second denomination in a second passage to move out of the first said passage so coins of the said one denomination can be accepted.

The coin-directing element provided by the present invention has two positions, and it is alternately moved between those positions by the coins in the two passageways. That coin-directing element is biased to remain in either of its two positions. Hence, the coin-directing element will normally occupy one position and will remain in that position until a coin strikes it and moves it to the Cb positions by the coins moving through the passageways of said coin separator.

The coin-directing element provided by the present invention will preferably be made from an elongated wire, and it will have its shank set in a generally vertical position. Where this is done, gravity will have little or no eifect upon the movement of that element to either of its two positions. This is desirable since it leads to greater uniformity of operation of the coin separator. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coindirecting element that is formed from an elongated wire and that has a vertically-directed shank.

The coin-rejecting portion and the coin-receiving portions of the coin-directing element provided by the present invention are short in length and light in weight. Hence, those portions do not have much inertia, and the coin-directing element is easily moved by coins in the two passages of the coin separator. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a coin-directing element for coin separators that has short, light-weight coin-rejecting and coin-receiving portions.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from an examination of the drawing and accompanying description.

In the drawing and accompanying description, two preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described but it is to be understood that the drawing and accompanying description are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the invention and that the invention will be defined by the appended claims.

In the drawing,

Fig. 1 is a rear elevational view of one form of coin separator that is made in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a broken, perspective view of the lower left hand portion of the coin separator of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a sectional view in plan of the lower left hand portion of the coin separator of Fig. l, and it is taken along the plane indicated by the line 33 in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is another sectional view in plan of the said lower left hand portion of the coin separator of Fig. 1, and it is also taken along the plane indicated by the line 3--3, but the coin-directing element has been rotated ninety degrees from'the position it occupies in Fig. 3,

Fig, 5 is a sectional view in plan of still another portion of the coin separator of Fig. l, and it is taken along the plane indicated by the line 5-5 in Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 is another sectional viewin plan of the portion, of the coin separator, shown in Fig. 5, but the coin-directing element has been rotated ninety degrees from the position it occupies in Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is a broken, perspective view of a modified form of the lower portion of the coin separator of Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 is another broken, perspective view of the modified form of the said lower portion of the coin separator of Fig. l, but the coin-directing element has been rotated ninety degrees from the position'it occupies in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the coin separator of Fig. 1,

Fig. 10 is a sectional end view of the coin separator of Figs. l and 9, and it is taken along the broken plane indicated by the line 10-10 in Fig. 9,

Fig. 11 is another front elevational view of the coin separator of Figs..1 and 9, and it shows that coin separator with the lower front cover plate removed, and

Fig. 12 is a sectional end view of the coin separator of Figs. 1, 9 and ll, and it is taken along the broken plane indicated by the line 1212 in Fig. 11.

Referring to the drawing in detail, he numeral 10 denotes the center wall of the frame of a coin separator that is made in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention. A flange 12 is provided at the left hand side of that center wall, as that center wall is viewed in Figs. 2- 6; and that flange coacts with that center wall to subtend an angle of ninety degrees. A generally L-shaped plate 14 is secured to the center wall 10 by fasteners 22, as for example, rivets or bolts. That plate has a flange 16 at the right hand side thereof, and that flange coacts with the rest of the plate 14 to subtend an angle of ninety degrees.

An elongated opening 15 is provided in the plate 14; and that opening is in register with an opening 11 in the center wall 10. The opening 11 is also elongated; and both openings incline downwardly from left to light in Fig. 11. The upper ends of the openings 11 and 15 are generally arcuate, but the tops and bottoms of those openings are generally straight and are generally parallel. An opening 13 is provided in the center wall 10 above the level of the opening 11, and a corresponding opening is provided in plate 14. The bottom of the corresponding opening in plate '14 is defined by an edge 17 that inclines upwardly and forwardly of the center wall 10 and that extends through the opening 13. An opening 19 is also provided in the center wall 10, and that opening is below the center line, and to the right hand side of the vertical center, of the center wall 10. The opening 19 is generally rectangular and it is horizontally directed. A notch 23 is provided in the flange of the frame of the coin separator that is opposite to the flange 12; and that notch is about midway of the top and bottom of that flange.

An ear 20 is provided on the L-shaped plate 14; and that ear is spaced from but is generally parallel to the flange 16. The car 20 and the flange 16 are provided with aligned openings, not shown, to receive an elongated pivot 42. A second ear 18 is provided on the plate 14, and that ear is above the level of the ear 20. A third ear 21 is provided onthe plate 14 and that car is below and to the left of the ear 20.

A spacer 24 is secured to the plate 14 by one of the fasteners 22, and that spacer holds a generally pentagonal plate 26 away from the plate 14 a predetermined distance. The plate 26 is maintained in assembled relation with the spacer 24 and with the plate 14 by fasteners 28 and 30, as for example, machine screws. Those screws extend through aligned openings in the plate 26 and spacer 24 and seat in the plate 14. The plate 26 extends beyond the bottom edge of the spacer 24 to coast with the plate 14 to define part of a coin passageway.

One end of a spring 32 bears against and is held by the fastener 30, and the center of that spring is bent around a stud 34 which is secured to the plate 14. The other end of the spring 32 rests against an ear at the upper end of a scavenger wiper blade 36. That blade pivots about the stud 36; andspring 32biases that blade for rotation in a clockwise, direction, as that blade is viewed in Fig. 1. Normally, the spring 32 holds the left hand end of the scavenger wiper blade 36 immediately adjacent the lower face of the spacer 24.

The numeral 38 denotes a vertically directed gate which is provided with rearwardly projecting ears 40. Those ears have openings, not shown; and those openings can be aligned with the openings, not shown, in the car 20 and flange. 16. Once the four openings have been aligned, the elongated pivot 42 can be telescoped through them. A keeper 44 of usual design'and purpose is provided to maintain the elongated pivot 42 in assembled re-' lation with plate 14, gate 38 and flange 12.

A spring 46 is wound about the pivot 42; and one end of that spring bears against the gate 38 while the other end of that spring bears against the plate 14. Spring 46 biases thelower end of gate 38 toward the plate 14, but

that spring can yieldto permit rotation of the lower end ing is spaced :above the runway 48 a distance :less than egea'arero E the diameterxof the coin which is toroll along the runway 48. That opening freely receives a pin 56 which is'carried on the lower end of an elongated leaf spring 54. The upper end of that spring is secured to the gate 38 by a fastener 58, shown as a rivet. The spring 54 normally has the pin 56 extending through the opening 52 and overlying the runway 48, but that. spring can yield to permit the pin 56 to move out of register with that runway.

The numeral 60 denotes a pin which is secured to the center wall adjacent the top thereof; and that pin serves as a pivot for a scavenging lever 62. That lever is provided with a flange 64 which can be acted upon by a suitable lever system to force the lever 62 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction about the pivot 60. An arcuate slot 66 is provided inthe lever 62 intermediate the ends of that lever; and that slotaccommodates a'bolt and nut combination 68 which is fixedly mounted on the center wall 10. A spring 70.has one end thereof hooked over the bolt of the bolt and nut combination 68, it has its center wound around the pin 60, and it has its other end bearing against the flange 64 of the lever 62. This spring acts against the bolt and nut combination 68 to bias the lever 62 for rotation in a clockwise direction; but this spring can yield to permit counter-clockwise rotation of the lever 62. The slot 66 coacts with the nut and bolt combination 68 to limit rotation of the lever 62 in either direction. A C-Washer 74 encircles the outer end of the pin 60, and an annular washer 72 is interposed between the lever 62 and the wound portion of spring 70.

The numeral 76 denotes a pin which is. secured to the lever 62 adjacent the free end of that lever. That pin serves as a pivot for the push rod 80 that is directed downwardly in a generally vertical direction from the pivot 76. A C-washer "78 encircles the pin 76 and maintains the push rod 80 in assembled relation with the pin 76. The lower end of the push rod 80 is confined by the ear 21 on plate 14, by the plate 26, by the spacer 24, and by the plate 14. A'camming surface 82 is provided on the push rod 80, and that camming surface acts against a rotatable sleeve 86 on a lever 84. That lever is secured to the car 18 of plate 14 by a pivot 88, shown as being a rivet. The right hand end of lever 84 overlies the upper end of gate 38; and rotation of lever 84 about pivot 88 can force the gate 38 to rotate about the pivot 42.

The numeral 90 denotes the housing of a permanent magnet. That housing is fixedly secured to the center wall 10 by fasteners 92, shown as rivets. An opening, not shown, is provided in the. center wall 10 in register with that housing; and that opening receives the poles of the magnet held by the housing 90.

An opening 94 is provided in the center wall 10 immediately adjacent an anvil 96, which is'disposed at the front face of the center wall 10. Fasteners 98, shown as screws, are provided to hold the anvil 96 in assembled relation with the center wall 10. The upper of the fasteners 98 supports a bearing bracket 100 which is horizontally directed and which has a vertically directed groove 101 in its front face. That groove will coact with the center wall 10 to define a passage. A sleeve 102 is formed on the bracket 100, and that sleeve receives a cylindrical permanent magnet 104. The front end of that magnet is adjacent the opening 94 in the center wall 10.

A wall 106 is mounted so it isspaced forwardly of the center wall 10; and the space between the wall 106 and the center wall 10 constitutes a coin passageway. The numeral 108 denotes the front cover plate of the coin separator; and that cover plate has an upwardly directed oifset 109 and a sidewarclly directed offset 111. The cover plate 108 bears a sleeve 110 by cylindrical configuration, and that sleeve carries a cylindrical permanent magnet 112. The rear end of the magnet 112 is directed toward an opening 107 in the wall 106. That opening 107 -is partically coextensive with the opening 94 in the center wall 10.

A plate 114 is secured to the rear face of the center wall 6 and'that plate has a vertically directed. flange 1116 at the left hand edge thereof. A horizontal-ly'directed opening 118 is formed in the plate 114; and that opening is below the level of the opening 94 in the centerwall 10. A horizontal opening 120 is formed in the lower part ofcenter wall .10, and a horizontal opening 122 is formed in the lower part of wall 106; and openings 120 and 122 are in register with opening 118. A semi-cylindrical groove 103 is provided in the front face of plate 114, and that groove is aligned with the groove 101 in bracket 100.

The numeral 124 denotes the vertically directed shank of a coin-directing element provided by the present invention. That shank is confined by the groove 101 in the bracket 100, by the groove 103 in the plate 114, and by the rear face of center wall 10. That shank is thus confined for rotation about a vertical axis.

The coin-directing element has a coin-rejecting portion 126 at the upper end thereof, and that portion is shown as the bent upper end of that element. The coinrejecting portion 126 is in register with the opening 94 and with the adjacent ends of the permanent magnets 104 and 112. Adjacent its lower end, the coin-directing element has a coin-receiving portion 128 and a coin-receiving portion 130; and those coin-receiving portions are in register with the openings 118, 120 and 122.

The coin-rejecting portion 126 lies in the same plane as the coin-receiving portion 130, but it is spaced from it one hundred and eighty degrees. The coin-receiving portion 128 is spaced ninety degrees from the coin-rejecting portion 126 and is also spaced. ninety degrees-from the coin-receiving portion 130. When the coin-rejecting portion 126 extends through opening 94 into the passageway defined by the wall 106 and the center wall 10, the coin-receiving portion 130 extends across the passageway defined by the plate 114 and by a wall 132 that is spaced rearwardly of the plate 114, and the coin-receiving portion 128 lies within the openings 118 and 120. When the coin-directing element is rotated ninety degrees in the clockwise direction, as by having the coin-receiving portion 130 thereof struck by a coin in the passage between plate 114 and wall 132, the coin-rejecting portion 126 will be out of the passageway between center wall 10 and wall 106, the coin-receiving portion 128 will extend across the lower end of that passageway, and the coinreceiving portion 130 will be out of the passageway defined by plate 114 and wall 132.

The wall 132 has an offset 134 which spaces the right hand portion of that wall further from the center Wall 10 than the left hand portion of that wall is spaced. An inclined ear 136 is formed on the left hand end of plate 132, and that ear overlies the left hand end of the passage defined by plate 114 and wall 132. That ear keeps vcoins from bounding upwardly out of that passage.

Fasteners 138, shown as being'screws, hold a divider 139 in position adjacent the bottom of the plate 114. This divider helps direct rejected coins to the right and helps direct accepted coins to the left in Fig. 1.

An opening 140 is provided in the wall 132 above the left hand end of separator 139, and a corresponding opening, not shown, is provided in the plate 114. A pivot bracket 141 is secured to the wall 132 by a fastener 143, shown as a screw. This bracket carries a pivot 142; and that pivot rotatably supports a lever 144 with a forwardly-directed coin-intercepting portion at its right hand end. Tl e center of gravity of the lever 144 is at the left of pivot 142; and that lever will normally have its right hand end bearing against the upper edge of the opening 146. The coin-intercepting portion at the right hand end of the lever 144 will be struck by some of the coins in the passageway between wall 132 and plate 114, and thereupon the lever 144 will rotate toward the position of Fig. 1, thereby absorbing enough of the momentum of the coins to minimize bouncing of those coins.

The numeral 146 denotes an opening in the wall 132, and that opening is spaced above the opening 140. If desired, a coin-rejecting finger can be mounted adjacent the'opening 146 for movement into the passage between wall 132 and plate 114. Such a coin-rejecting finger is useful to reject coins whenever the vending machine with which the coin separator is used is outof merchandise. That coin-rejecting finger will cause coins to bound to the right and roll to the right hand end of divider 139.

Figs. 7 and 8 disclose another form of coin-directing element provided by the present invention; and that element has a vertically-directed shank 152 with an offset portion. A coin-rejecting portion 154 is formed at the upper end of shank 152, and two coin-receiving portions 156 and 158 are provided at the lower end of that shank. The coin-directing elements of Figs. 7 and 8 is similar to the coin-directing element of Figs. 1-6 except for the fact that shank 152 has an offset portion. The lower end of the shank 152 is confined and guided by the semi-cylindrical groove 103 in the plate 114 and by the center wall 10. The bracket 100 which is provided in Figs. 1-4 is not needed in Figs. 7 and 8.

An elongated spring 160 of generally L-shaped configuration is secured to the center wall by a fastener 162, shown as a screw. The free end of the L-shaped spring 160 is in register with and overlies the offset portion of the shank 152. That spring tends to urge the otfset portion of shank 152 against the center wall 10. Thus, when the coin-directing element is in the position shown in Fig. 8, the spring 160 urges the offset portion of shank 152 directly against the center wall 10. When the coin-directing element is in the position shown in Fig. 7, the free end of the spring 160 is held away from the center wall 10 by the offset portion of the shank 152; and the restorative forces in the spring bias the coin-directing element for rotation in the counter clockwise direction, but such rotation is prevented by the engagement of coin-receiving portion 158 with the right hand side of opening 140. Consequently, the spring 160 biases the coin-directing element into either of its two positions when that element is adjacent those positions, thereby assuring full movement of the coin-directing element into its two positions.

The numeral 164 denotes a pair of ears that are formed by punching them out of the flange 12 on the frame of the coin separator provided by the present invention. A pair of ears 168 are provided on a generally rectangular gate 176; and one of those ears abuts the upper face of the upper ear 164 while the other of those ears abuts the lower face of the lower ear 164. A pivot pin 170 telescopes through aligned openings in the ears 164- and 163 and permits rotation of gate 166 relative to the center wall 10. A helical spring 172 encircles the pivot pin 170, and one end of that spring bears against gate 166 while the other end of that spring bears against flange 12. This spring biases the gate 166 for movement toward the center wall 10.

The gate 166 has a forwardly inclined upper edge 174; and that edge coacts with the center wall 10 to define a generally V-shaped entrance for coins. A coin duct will extend from the coin slot of the vending machine to a point immediately above the V-shaped entrance defined by the edge 174 and the upper edge of the center wall 10.

The gate 166 has a generally vertical opening 176 opposite the magnet housing 90. This opening is large enough to accommodate a plate 178; and the upper end,

of that plate serves as a return path for the magnetic flux lines of the magnet in the housing 90. The lower end of that plate is offset and serves as one wall of a part of a passageway; the other side of that part of the passageway being defined by the center wall 10. An offset 179 is providedintermediate the upper and lower ends of the plate 178, and that ottset spaces the lower end of the plate 178 forwardly of the center wall 10.

A fastener 180, shown as a screw, is used to secure the plate 178 to the center wall 10.

A portion of the gate 166 is punched out to form an inclined runway 182. This runway inclines downwardly from left to right in Figs. 9 and 11. This runway is partially coextensive with the opening 176 in the gate 166. Hence, coins are supported by the runway 182 until after they-have passed between the lower end of plate 178 and the center wall 10.

An arcuate slot 184 is provided in gate 166, a second arcuate slot 136 is provided in that gate and a generally straight slot 185 is provided in that gate. A pin 188 is fixedly mounted on gate 166, and that pin serves as a pivot for a coin-sizing cradle 190. A C-washer 192 cucircles the outer end of the pin 188 and thereby maintains the cradle and the gate 166 in assembled relation. A weight 194 is provided on the cradle 190, and that weight biases that cradle for rotation to the position shown in Figs. 9 and 11. The cradle 190 has coin-intercepting fingers 196 thereon, and those fingers extend through the slots 184 and 186 into the passageway defined by gate 166 and the center wall 10. The slots 184 and 186 permit limited rotation of the cradle 190 in a clockwise direction.

The numeral 198 denotes a pivot bracket carried by the gate 166. A fastener 199, shown as a rivet, secures that bracket to the gate 166. Pivot bracket 198 rotatably carries a feeler 200, and that feeler has a weight 202 on the lower end thereof. This bracket, feeler and weight are made in accordance with the teachings of Letters Patent No. 2,711,243 of John Gottfried which were granted June 21, 1955, for Apparatus for Rejecting Apertured Coins. The feeler 200 has its upper end adjacent the cradle 190, and when that cradle rotates in a clockwise direction the weight 202 on the feeler will cause that feeler to enter the passageway between gate 166 and center wall'10.

A pin 201 is mounted on the gate 166, and that pin serves as a pivot for a generally L-shaped lever 203..

A G-washer 205 is secured to the outer end of the pin 201, and washer maintains the lever 203 in assembled relation with the gate 166. The upper end of the lever 203 has a coin-intercepting finger 209 which extends rearwardly through an opening 207 in the center wall 10. The lower end of that lever constitutes a weight which biases the lever to the position shown in Figs. 9 and 11.

The coin-intercepting finger 209 of the lever 203 prevents the movement of small diameter coins down the passage leading to the runway 182 but it will rotate to permit larger size coins to move through that passageway to the runway 182. This is due to the fact that the small diameter coins can pass between the left hand coinintercepting finger 196 of cradle 190 and the coin-intercepting finger 209 of lever 203 without necessitating rotation of that lever. The larger size coin, however, cannot pass through that narrow gap without striking those coinintercepting fingers and causing the finger 209 to move.

The numeral 204 denotes a downwardly and rearwardly inclined edge on the gate 166. This edge directs small diameter coins toward the opening 13 in the center wall '10, and the corresponding opening in plate 14; and.

those coins will be further directed through those openings by the forwardly inclined upper edge 17 of the plate 14.

A scavenger wiper blade 206 is provided adjacent the upper edge of the center wall 10. That scavenger wiper blade moves with the lever 62 to wipe out any coins whichmay be held between the magnet and the plate 178. Those coins will be moved over to the left hand side of the coin separator where they will fall to the rejected coin chute.

The numeral 208 denotes a pusher bracket which is mounted on the gate 166 and has its left hand end extending through the slot 185 of that gate. The pusher bracket is intended to tree coins from the coin-intercepting fingers- 196 of the cradle 190 during'scavenging operations,- all enemas J. as described in the said Letters Patent No; 2,711,243; A leaf spring 210, which is secured to the gate 166 by a fastener 212, bears against the pusher bracket 208 and urges it toward the gate 166.

A generally L-shaped guide 214 is fixedly secured to the center wall and that guide is intermediate center wall 10 and wall 106. A fastener 218, shown as a screw, is used to maintain the wall 106, the guide 214 and the center wall 10 in assembled relation. Nuts 215 on the shanks of fasteners 98 also maintain wall 106 and center wall 10 in assembled relation.

An opening 107 is provided in the wall 106; and the lower edge of that opening has a portion that inclines rearwardly toward the center wall 10. A tab 230 is provided at the lower edge of the opening 107; and that tab inclines rearwardly to the opening 19 in the center wall 10. The inclined edge 224 and the inclined tab 230 direct rejected coins from the passageway between wall 106 and center wall 10 to the space between wall 106 and wall 108.

An inclined edge 226 is formed on the wall 106, and that edge extends rearwardly toward the center wall 10. Another inclined edge 228 of wall 106 extends forwardly and away from the center wall 10. The inclined edge 228 makes certain that coins falling from the passage between gate 166 and center wall 10 can enter the space between wall 106 and center wall 10.

The wall 108 coacts with wall 106 and with the lower part of the front face of center wall 10 to define a returned coin chute. The left hand end of wall 108 is spaced forwardly by the ofiset 109 to enable it to accommodate coins falling from the forwardly moved gate 166; while the right hand end of wall 108 is spaced forwardly by the offset 111 to enable it to accommodate coins passing through the opening 107 in wall 106. These latter coins will roll along the offset 111 until they can fall downwardly toward a duct, not shown, that will lead all returned coins to an outlet at the exterior of the vending machine. That duct will also underlie the returned coin passage defined by the rear face of center wall 10 and by the right hand end of wall 132. That right hand end is spaced rearwardly by ofiset 134 to enable it to accommodate coins released by the outwardly moving gate 38.

The wall 108 is held in position by the fastener 138, by an ear 240 which bears against the forwardly inclined edge 228 of wall 106, and by an car 242 which extends into the notch 23 in frame of the coin separator. The fastener 138 also helps hold the L-shaped guide 214 in position between wall 106 and center wall 10.

The lower right hand end of wall 108 is cut-away, as at 244; and the cut-away section is in register with the openings 118, 120 and 122. The cut-away section permits unimpeded movement of the coin-receiving portion 128.

In one form of the present invention, nickels and pennies can be inserted through the opening defined by the inclined edge 174 of gate 166 and the center wall 10. The penny is intended to be inserted first; and when it is so inserted, it will follow the path indicated by the dashed line P in Figs. 1 and 11. Specifically, the penny will fall downwardly between the coin-intercepting fingers 196 of cradle 190 without rotating that cradle appreciably. The penny will then strike the inclined edge'204 on the gate 166 and be directed through the opening 13 in center wall 10 and through the corresponding openingin plate 14. The inclined edge 17 on the plate 14 will assist in moving the penny through those openings. The penny will then move downwardly between gate 38 and plate 14 until it engages the pin 56 on the flexible spring 54. The penny will have sufficient weight to move that pin out of its way; but the spring 54 will cause the pin 56 to bias the penny against the portions of plate 14 which.

define the opening 15. If the penny is undersized, it will be pushed through that opening and will then fall to the returned coin chute. However, if the penny is of the proper size itwill roll downwardly'along the runway "48 and fall to the left hand side of the coin-intercepting portion of lever 144. The penny will then'strike the coinreceiving portion of the coin-directing element and force that element to rotate from the position shown in Figs. 1-3 and 5 to the position shown in Figs. 4 and 6. The magnet 112 will resist that rotation, but the force of the penny will be suflicient to overcome that resistance and start the coin-directing element rotating in the clockwise direction. As that element approaches the position of Figs. 4 and 6, the force of the magnet 104 will help it move all the way to that position. The penny will continue on past the coin-receiving portion 130 and pass to the coin box.

The deposit of the penny thus moves the coin-rejecting portion 126 of the coin-directing element out of the passage between the center wall 10 and the wall 106. Thereafter, a nickel can be inserted; and it will follow the path indicated by dashed line N in Figs. 1 and 9. Specifically, the nickel will fall downwardly and engage the left hand finger 196 of cradle and the coinintercepting portion 209 of lever 203. The nickel will rotate the lever 203 in a clockwise direction until it has slipped by the coin-intercepting portion 209 and has reached the right hand finger 196 of cradle 190. The nickel will rotate the cradle in the clockwise direction until that cradle delivers the nickel to the runway 182. As the nickel rolls along the runway it will be tested by the magnetic field from the magnet in the housing 90, and it will be guided to the anvil 96. The nickel will rebound from the anvil 96 to the L-shaped guide 214 and then move downwardly to the accepted coin chute. As the nickel reaches the lower end of the guide 214 it will engage the coin-receiving portion 128 of the coin directing element which was moved into position across the passageway between wall 106 and center wall 10 when the penny struck the coin-receiving portion 130- The engagement between the nickel and the coin-receivingportion 128 will rotate the coin-directing element from the position of Figs. 4 and 6 to the position of Figs. 13 and 5; thereby returning the coin-rejecting portion 126 to its position across the nickel passage and returning the coin-receiving portion 130 to its position in the penny passage. The magnet 104 will resist this movement, but the force of the nickel will easily overcome the force of the magnet 104. The coin-rejecting portion 126 will subsequently keep additionally deposited nickels from being accepted as by keeping those nickels from reaching anvil 5 6. Those nickels will strike the portion 126, which is yieldable, and will drop downwardly to edge 224- and tab 230 which will direct them to the returned coin passage. Only after another penny has been inserted can another nickel be accepted; and in this'way the present invention makes certain that if a customer does not insert the coins in the proper sequence he will not lose them. Instead his nickel will be returned to him until after he inserts a penny.

It will be noted that the penny and nickel are not stopped and held in the passages of the coin separator. Instead, they are permitted to continue on to the coin box of the device. This enables the coins to maintain sufficient momentum to overcome frictional forces that tend to halt those coins.

If a penny-simulating slug is underweight it will be unable to move the pin 56 out of the penny passage; and that pin will then prevent movement of that slug toward the accepted coin chute. If the slug is too thick, it will become jammed between the plate 14 and the plate 26; and that jamming will prevent further movement toward the accepted coin chute. Such slugs can be dislodged by rotating the scavenger lever 62 downwardly, because such rotation will move the scavenger wiper blade 36 and will also move the gate 38; the push rod 80 directly moving blade 36, and that push rod cam ming the lever 84 against the upper end of gate 38- to:

move the lower end of that gate outwardly. undersize slug will be pushed through the openings 15 and 11 by the pin 56, and an out-of-round slug will roll so slowly along runway 48 that it will fall to the right of the coin-intercepting end of lever 144 and then roll along theright hand portion of divider 139. In both these latter instances, the slug will pass to the returned coin chute without any need of a scavenging operation. If a nickel-simulating slug has an opening, that-slug will be kept from passing to the accepted coin chute by. the feeler 200. If a nickel-simulating slug is of magnetic material it will be held by the magnet in housing 92. If a slug is too thick it will be held by plate 178 and center wall 10. These slugs can be directed to the returned coin chute by rotation of lever 62; that lever moving the scavenger lever 206 downwardly and moving the gate 166 outwardly. A slug that has too low or too high an electrical conductivity will not rebound from anvil 96 to the guide 214; instead, it will fall downwardly to edge 224 or tab 230 and be directed through opening 107 into the returned coin chute. Hence, these slugs do not require a scavenging operation.

Figs. 7 and 8 show an L-shaped spring 160 that biases the coin-directing element into either of its two fully moved positions. Thus, in Fig. 7 the spring 160 biases the coin-directing element into nickel-rejecting position; while in Fig. 8 that spring biases that coin-directing element into nickel-accepting position. The coin-directing element is thus urged all the way into its two positions, whereby improper operation due to insufficient movement of that element is avoided. The spring 160 provides the same effect that the magnets 104 and 112 provide.

Whereas two preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the form of the invention without affecting the scope thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element of magnetic material, a bearing element that confines said coin-directing element while permitting rotation of said coin-directing element, and a pair of magnets, said coin-directing element being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said I coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-directing element having a coinreceiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin-separating element being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion wherby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said coinseparating element, said coin-receiving portion being disposed beyond said coin-separating element whereby coins of said one denomination must engage said coin-separating element before they can reach said coin-receiving portion, said coin-directed element having a second coinreceiving portion that is in said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is out of said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, one of said magnets being adjacent said coin-rejecting portion whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and biasing said coin-directing element toward said one position, the other of said magnets being adjacent said coin-rejecting portion whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position and biasing said coin-directing element toward said other position, said coin-directing element being an elongated stiff wire with a vertically-directed shank, said coin-rejecting portion being a transversely directed bend in said wire adjacent one end of said wire, the first said coin-receiving portion being a reentrant bend in said wire adjacent the opposite end of said wire, siad second coin-receiving portion being a second reentrant bend in said wire adjacent said opposite end of said wire, said coin-rejecting portion and said first coin-receiving portion being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-receiving portions being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coindirecting element is in said one position, said second coinreceiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway to move and thereby rotate said coin-directing element to said other position and thereby enable coins in said one passage to engage and be 3313-. arated by said coin-separating element, said first coinreceiving element responding to movement of a coin that has engaged and been accepted by said coin-separating element to move and thereby rotate said coin-directing element to said one position.

2. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating ele: ment, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element of magnetic material, a bearing element that confines said coin-directing element while permitting movement of said coin-directing element, and a pair of magnets, said coin-directing element being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-receiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin-separating element being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said coin-separating element, said coin-receiving portion being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can reach said coin-receiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coin-receiving portion that is in said passageway whenever said coin directing element is in said one position and is out of said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, one of said magnets being adjacent-said coin-rejecting portion whenever said coindirecting element is in said one position and biasingsaid coin-directing element toward said one position, the other of said magnets being adjacent said coin-rejecting portion whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position and biasing said coin-directing element toward said other position, said coin-directing element being an elongated stifi wire, said coin-rejecting portion being a transversely directed bend in said wire adjacent one end of said wire, the first said coin-receiving portion being a bend in said wire adjacent the opposite end of said wire, said second coin-receiving portion being a second bend, in said wire adjacent said opposite end of said wire, said coin-rejecting portion and said first coin-receiving portion being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-receiving portions being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position, said second coin-receiving elementresponding to the movement of a coin through,

assgi'eo 13 said passageway to move and thereby movesaid'coindirecting element to said other position, said first coinreceiving element responding to movement of a coin through said one passage to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said one position.

3. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element of magnetic material, a bearing element that confies said coin-directing element while permitting movement of said coin-directing element, and a pair of ma nets, said coin-directing element being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-receiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin-receiving portion being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by. said coin-rejecting portion before they can reach said coinreceiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coin-receiving portion that is in said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is out of said passageway whenever said coindirecting element is in said other position, one of said magnets being adjacent said coin-rejecting portion whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and biasing said coin-directing element toward said one position, the other of said magnets being adjacent said coinrejecting portion whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position and biasing said coin-directing element toward said other position, said coin-directing element being an elongated stiff wire, said coin-rejecting portion being a transversely directed bend in said wire adjacent one end of said wire, the first said coin-receiving portion being a bend in said wire adjacent the opposite end of said wire, said second coin-receiving portion being a'second bend in said wire adjacent said opposite end of said wire, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position, said second coinreceiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway to move andithereby move said coin-directing element to said other position, said first coin-receiving element responding to movement of a coin throughsaid one passage to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said one position.

4. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element of magnetic material, a bearing element that confines said coin-directing element while permitting movement of said coin-directing element, and a pair of magnets, said coin-directing element being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the'passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and isout of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-directing element having a coinreceiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin-separting element being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said Sid coineseparating element, said coinrreceiving'portion being disposed beyond-said coin-separating element whereby coins of said one denomination must engage said coinseparating element before they can reach said coinreceiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coin-receiving portion that is in said'passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is out of said passageway wheneversaid coindirecting element is in said other position, one of said magnets being adjacent said coin-rejecting portion whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and biasing said coin-directing element toward said one position, the other of said magnets being adjacent said coin-rejecting portion whenever said coin-directing'element is in said other position and biasing said coin-directing element toward said other position, said coin-rejecting portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, the first said coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said secondcoinreceiving portion extending transversely of said coindirecting element, said coin-rejecting portion and said first coin-receiving portion being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-receiving portions being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position, said second coin-receiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway tomove and thereby move said coin-directing element to said other position and thereby enable coins in said one passage to engage and be separated by said coin-separating element, said first coin-receiving element responding to movement of a coin that has engaged and been accepted by said coin-separating element to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said one position.

5. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, theimprovement which comprises a coin-directing element, a bearing element that confines said coindirecting element while permitting movement of said coin-directing element, said coin-directing element being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is outof all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-receiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing element vis in said one position and is in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coinseparating element being disposed beyond said coinrejecting portion whereby coins of said one-denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said coin-separating element, said coin-receiving portion being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can reach said coin-receiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coin-receiving portion that is in said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said one posi tion and is out of said passageway whenever said coindirecting element is in said other position, said coinrejecting portion extending transversely of said coindirecting element, the first said coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said second coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said coin-rejecting portion and said first coin-receiving portion being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-receiving portions being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said oneposition, said second coin-receiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said other position, said first coin-receiving element responding to movement of a coin through said one passage to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said one position. 7

6. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element, a bearing element that confines said coin-directing element while permitting movement of said coin-directing element, said coindirecting being movable into and out of two spacedapart positions, said coin-directing element having a coinrejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-receiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin-receiving portion being disposed beyond said coinrejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can reach said coin-receiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coinreceiving portion that is in said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is out of said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position,

said coin-rejecting portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, the first said coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said second coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position, said second coin-receiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said other position, said first coin-receiving element respond ing to movement of a coin through said one passage to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said one position.

7. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element, a bearing element that confines said coin-directing element while permitting movement of said coin-directing element, said coindirecting' element being movable into and out of two disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can reach said coinceiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coin-receiving portion that is in said passage- Way whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position and is out of said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin-rejecting portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, the first said coin-receiving} portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said second coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said coinrejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position, said second coin-receiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said other position, said first coin-receiving element responding to movement of a coin through said one passage to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said one position, said coin-receiving elements being short and being light in weight so said coin-directing element has but little inertia.

8. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element, a bearing element that confines said coindirecting element while permitting movement of said coin-directing element, said coin-directing element being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-receiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said' one position and is in said one passage whenever said coimdirecting element is in said other position, said coinseparating element being disposed beyond said coinrejecting pontion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said coin-separating element, said coin-receiving portion being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can reach said coin-receiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coin-receiving portion that is in said passageway whenever said coin-directing elements is in said one position and is out of said passageway whenever said coindirecting element is in said other position, said coinrejecting portion extending transversely of said coin-t directing element, the first said coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said second coin-receiving portion extending transversely of said coin-directing element, said coin-rejecting portion in-i tercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position, said second coin-receiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway to move and thereby move said coin-directing element to said other position, said first coin-receiving element responding .to movement of a coin through said one passage to move and thereby move said coindirecting element to said one position, said coin-directing element being biased toward said one position by a spring whenever it is. adjacent said one position and being biased toward saidother position by said spring whenever it is adjacent said: other position.

9. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages: for coins of one denomination and apassageway forcoins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, the improvement which comprises a coin-direct-v ing element, a bearing element that confines said coin-, directing element while permitting rotation of said coin-x directing element, said coin-directing element being move able into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coindirecting element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plnrality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages Whenever said coin-directing element is inthe other' of saidpositions, said coin-directing element having a i coin-receiving portion that is out of said one passage whenever said coin-directing elementis in'sai'd' oneposition and is in said one passage whenever said coin-direct ing element is in said other position, said coin-separating element being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said coinseparating element, said coin-receiving portion being disposed beyond said coin-separating element whereby coins of said one denomination must engage said coin-separating element before they can reach said coin-receiving portion, said coin-directing element having a second coin-receiving portion that is in said passageway whenever said coin directing element is in said one position and is out of said passageway whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin-directing element being an elongated stiff wire with a vertically-directed shank, said coin-rejecting portion being a trans ersely directed bend in said wire adjacent one end of said wire, the first said coin-receiving portion being a reentrant bend in said wire adjacent the opposite end of said wire, said second coin-receiving portion being a second reentrant bend in said wire adjacent said opposite end of said wire, said coin-rejecting portion and said first coin-receiving por tion being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coinreceiving portions being approximately ninety degrees apart, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position, said second coin-receiving element responding to the movement of a coin through said passageway to move and thereby rotate said coin-directing element to said other position and thereby enable coins in said one passage to engage and be separated by said coin-separating element, said first coin-receiving element responding to movement of a coin through said one passage to move and thereby rotate said coin-directing element to said one position, said coin-directing element being biased toward said one position whenever it is adjacent said one position and being biased toward said other position whenever it is adjacent said other position.

10. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element, said coin-directing element being movable relative to said plurality of passages and to said passageway and being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-separating element being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said coin-separating element, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position but permitting coins in said one passage to pass by and engage said coin-separating element whenever said coindirecting element is in said other position, said coindirecting element having a coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said one passage to move said coin-directing element to said one position, said coin-intercepting portion being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion and beyond said coin-separating element, and said coin-directing element having a second coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said passageway to move said coin-directing element to said other position and thereby enable coins in said one passage to engage and be separated by said coinseparating element.

11. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway tor '18 coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating eleifi' inge "ment, said coin-directing element being movable relativ'e't'o said plurality of passages and to said passag'e-' way and being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plu ralityof passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said positions and is out of all of the pas sages of'said plurality ofpassages whenever said coin directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-'separating'element' being disposed beyond said coin rejeeting portion whereby 'coi'ns of said one denomination must pass by said coiti-rlejec'tir'i'gport'ion before they can engage said com-se arating element, said"coin-rej'ecting portion intercepting and rejectingcoins'in said'on'e'pas sage'whenever said coin-directing elem'entis in said one position but permitting coins in said one passage to pass by and engage said "coin separatin'g element whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, saidcoin-directing' element having a"co'in-intercepting portion" that responds to movement of coins in said one passage to move said coin-directing element to said one position, and said coin-directing'element' having a second coin intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said passageway to move said coin-directing element to said other position, said coin-directing element being biased toward said one position whenever it is adjacent said one position and being biased toward said other po'si-" tion whenever it is adjacent said other position.

' 12. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for fo'infs" of a second denominationfthe improvement which comj prises a coin-directing element, said coin-directingelement being movable relative" to said plurality of p'asisages and to saidpassageway and'being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, saidcoin-directing ele ment having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality'oi passages whenever said coin directing element is i'n'on'e of'said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin'directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position but permitting coins in said one passage to pass by whenever said coindirecting element is in said other position, said coin-directing element having a coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said one passage to move said coin-directing element to said one position, and said coin-directing element having a second coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said passageway to move said coin-directing element to said other position, and a spring biasing said coin-directing element against movement out of either of said two positions.

13. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element, said coin-directing element being movable relative to said plurality of passages and to said passageway and being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coin-rejecting portion that is in one of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in one of said poistions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing element is in the other of said positions, said coin-separating element being disposed beyond said coin-rejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can engage said coin-separating element, said coin-rejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position but t, the improvement "which 'cotnprises'a coin-direcfif' permitting coins in said one passage to pass by and engage said coin-separating element whenever said coincoin-rejecting portion and beyond said coin-separating element, and said coin-directing element having a second coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said passageway to move said coin-directing elementto said other position and thereby enable coins in said one passage to engage and be separated by said coinseparating element, and magnetic lines of force biasingsaid coin-directing element against movement out of eitherof said two positions.

, 14. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination, the improvement which comprisesa coin-directing element, said coin-directing element being movable relative to said plurality of pasdirecting element is in said oneposition but permitting coins in said one passage to pass by whenever said coindirecting element is in said other position, said coindireeting element having a coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said one passage to move said coin-directing element to said one position, and said coin-directing element having a second coinintercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said passageway to move said coin-directing element to said other position, said first coin-intercepting portion being movable into and outof said one passage, said first coin-intercepting portion being disposed beyond said coinrejecting portion whereby coins of said one denomination must pass by said coin-rejecting portion before they can reach said first coin-intercepting portion.

15. In a coin separator that has a plurality of passages for coins of one denomination and a passageway for coins of a second denomination and a coin-separating element, the improvement which comprises a coin-directing element, said coin-directing element being movable relative to said plurality of passages and to said passageway and being movable into and out of two spaced-apart positions, said coin-directing element having a coinrejecting portion that is inone of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coin-directing ele ment is in one of said positions and is out of all of the passages of said plurality of passages whenever said coindirecting element is in the other of said positions, said cointejecting portion intercepting and rejecting coins in said one passage whenever said coin-directing element is in said one position but permitting coins in said one passage to pass by and engage said coin-separating element Whenever said coin-directing element is in said other position, said coin directing element having a coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said one passage to move said coin-directing element to said one position, and said coin-directing element having a second coin-intercepting portion that responds to movement of coins in said passageway to move said coindirecting element to said other position, said coin-directing element being an elongated stiff wire.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,569,603 Gottfried Oct. 2, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 335,272 Great Britain Sept. 25, 1930 425,252 Great Britain Mar. 11, 1935 

